Recognizing the Silent Killer…Symptoms of Depression

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Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that Americans experience it’s important to recognize the symptoms of depression early. About seven percent of adults display symptoms of depression and have exhibited depressive episodes each year without treatment. Depression is more common among women than men but that is a number that is changing rapidly.

One of the hallmarks of depression is a symptom called anhedonia. Anhedonia means “loss of pleasure” and it refers to losing the ability to enjoy things that used to be fun. This can range from anything as simple as a small hobby to as large as the action of socializing with other people. Depression also involves persistent sadness. What sets depression apart from regular sadness, which many people experience, is that it lasts a long time and often has no obvious cause.

The Causes of Depression
There are several factors to be recognized as contributors of symptoms of depression. First of all, genetics. Some researchers have found a genetic component to depression, so having family members that experience depression could be a sign of a genetic predisposition. Second, brain chemistry. Depression is associated with abnormal levels of some neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Stress can also induce depression- anything from bereavement or job loss to a hard time at work can lead to a depressive episode. Not everyone experiences depression after stressful events- it comes down to an individual’s reaction to their situation. Finally, gender also plays a role. Women are at higher risk for depression than men, but it isn’t clear what causes this difference.

Types and Manifestations of Depression
The ordinary kind of depression is called major depression. But there are related mental illnesses with similar symptoms. Bipolar involves a cycle of depressive and manic symptoms. Dysthymia is a long-term depressive episode with low-level persistent symptoms. Postpartum depression can strike mothers after they give birth. Seasonal affective disorder comes with the change of seasons as summer becomes fall and then winter. The reduced amount of sunlight can evoke the symptoms of depression in some individuals.

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Suicidal ideation.
Sleep disturbances- an unusually high or low amount of sleep.
Changes in weight or appetite.
Problems with attention and focus.
Persistent tiredness or low energy without a clear explanation.
Slow movements.

Co-morbid Conditions
It is common for people with depression to also have other illnesses, both mental and physical. This is both because those other conditions can trigger depression and because people with depression are at greater risk for developing additional disorders and diseases. They include, but are not limited to the following:

Anxiety

Alcohol and substance use disorders

Heart disease

Stroke

Cancer

Diabetes

These other disorders and diseases can interact with depression in potentially dangerous ways, so be fully forthcoming with care providers about all conditions you might be experiencing.

How To Seek Care
There are several good starting points if you think you need help for depression. One potential point of contact is your primary care physician. They generally do not have psychological training, but they can provide referrals to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has more knowledge about depression. It’s important to seek care for depression, because at its worst it is a life-threatening condition. Just because it is a mental illness does not mean it is any less dangerous than a physical disease. Your primary care physician may be able to help you directly by prescribing depression medication, but it is best to get experienced care from a mental health professional. Different people respond to different medications and types of therapy in different ways, so you might not immediately respond well to the first type of intervention that a care provider suggests you try.

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